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Urgent Care for Seasonal Allergy
Seasonal Allergies Treatment
Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and even brain fog are all signs you may suffer from seasonal allergies, which develop when your immune system overreacts to something in the environment.
At AllCare, our urgent care professionals can diagnose your seasonal allergies (also allergic rhinitis) and offer a care plan to help alleviate your symptoms. If your symptoms don’t improve or you have chronic sinus infections during allergy season, make an appointment with one of our dedicated AllCare primary care physicians for additional allergy testing to determine whether it’s seasonal allergies you’re reacting to and what further treatments you may need.
Why Seasonal Allergy Care Matters
Our Approach to Seasonal Allergies
Nearly 50 million people suffer from seasonal allergies. While some people adopt an “I’ll just suffer through it” attitude until their symptoms become unbearable, you should see a doctor to get the best possible treatment for your seasonal allergies. An AllCare urgent care physician can also confirm that you are truly experiencing seasonal allergies since some symptoms mimic the common cold.
Our urgent care physicians are committed to helping relieve your symptoms and we understand that seasonal allergies affect everyone differently. That’s why we’ll work closely with you to identify your seasonal allergy triggers and create a personalized plan that may include lifestyle modifications and medications.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergies can significantly impact your quality of life, making it important to recognize the symptoms early for effective management. Common signs of seasonal allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Persistent coughing
- Fatigue
- Congestion
- Post-nasal drip
- Dark, swollen areas under the eyes
- Temporary loss of smell
- Headache
Don’t let seasonal allergies control your life—schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step towards feeling better. Our urgent care services are designed to help you relieve your specific symptoms as we understand that seasonal allergies affect everyone differently.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are often triggered by a variety of environmental factors that change with the seasons. By understanding when and where these allergens are most prevalent, you can take steps to minimize exposure and alleviate symptoms. Common seasonal allergy triggers include:
- Tree pollen: Released during the spring when trees are actively blooming. This pollen is lightweight and can travel long distances, causing symptoms for those who are sensitive to it.
- Grass pollen: Becomes a significant issue in late spring and summer as grasses pollinate. This type of pollen is often carried by the wind, making it prevalent during outdoor activities.
- Ragweed pollen: Peaks in the fall and can travel over large distances, affecting many people even if ragweed is not growing nearby.
- Pet dander: Can aggravate allergies, particularly if your home is sealed during colder months, trapping pet allergens indoors. These allergens can persist and contribute to symptoms year-round.
- Spores from fungi and molds: Present both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor molds thrive in damp, fallen leaves and other decomposing plant matter, while indoor molds can grow in areas with high humidity or water damage, further complicating allergy management.
Tests and Treatments Offered for Seasonal Allergies
Allergy Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)
Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief for individuals with severe seasonal allergies by desensitizing the immune system. Our doctors will evaluate your allergy triggers and refer you to a specialist if you need this type of treatment.
Blood Tests
Allergen blood tests can help detect seasonal allergies by checking your blood for increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Allergy Medications
We offer a range of prescription medications to help you manage seasonal allergy symptoms, including antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, cough medicines, inhalers, and steroid nasal sprays. Our urgent care team will work with you to determine the most effective treatment options for your individual needs.
Allergy Skin Tests
With a skin test, you’ll experience a prick to the skin, which will then be exposed to a suspected allergen. If the skin becomes red or swollen, an allergy exists. A skin test typically takes 24 to 48 hours to produce a result.
Topical Medication
In addition to medication and immunotherapy, our urgent care doctors can prescribe effective topical medications to help manage your allergy symptoms. These treatments are designed to target specific areas affected by allergens, providing relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation.
Online Doctor Visits and Telehealth Services
Experience the convenience of telehealth appointments at AllCare. Our telemedicine services are designed to provide you with seamless access to healthcare without the need to leave your home. Whether you need an online doctor’s appointment for immediate or primary care, AllCare’s got you covered. With our online telehealth services currently available to individuals located in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Georgia, you can connect with our experienced urgent and primary care physicians via secure video calls.
At AllCare, we are expanding our virtual healthcare access to all services previously offered in person. This includes:
- Online Primary Care
- Online Urgent Care
- Online Women’s Healthcare
- Online Men’s Healthcare
- Online COIVD-19 Treatment
- Online Behavioral Health
- And more!
Who Can Benefit from Seasonal Allergy Services at AllCare?
Since seasonal allergy symptoms can mimic other conditions, you should speak with a physician to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. See your doctor for seasonal allergies if:
- Over-the-counter treatments haven’t provided any relief
- Your medications are causing side effects
- You’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms
- You have asthma, nasal polyps, or frequent sinus infections
- You have other chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, which could worsen if you treat yourself with over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- If your child is suffering from allergies, or if you are an older adult
How to Treat Allergic Rhinitis at AllCare
- Come in for Your Appointment: We offer convenient day and evening walk-in appointments for all your seasonal allergy needs. You can also schedule your seasonal allergy appointment online or by contacting AllCare.
- Share Your Medical History: During your consultation, provide relevant medical information to help our doctors better understand your medical history, symptoms, and overall health.
- Receive Personalized Treatment: During your consultation, we will evaluate your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Treatment options may include prescription medications, allergy immunotherapy, and lifestyle recommendations to help you manage your seasonal allergy symptoms effectively.
Please note: If you experience severe allergic reaction symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Allergies
01 Is it seasonal allergies or a cold?
Seasonal allergies and colds share many of the same symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, fatigue, and headaches. However, you’re more likely to have an itchy nose and eyes if you’re experiencing seasonal allergies. In addition, cold symptoms usually resolve within seven to ten days, where allergy symptoms last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.
02 Can seasonal allergies be cured?
While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, you can reduce your symptoms with a little bit of work. Avoiding common triggers, wearing a mask outdoors when pollen counts are high, and using high-efficiency (HEPA) filters in your heating and cooling system are just a few tactics that may offer some relief.
03 Can I get allergies as an adult even if I’ve never had them?
Yes. There are many reasons you may develop allergies later in life. Immune system changes, exposure to new allergens in a new environment, such as a workplace or home, and stopping certain medications like antihistamines (which are also used to treat anxiety and insomnia); you may find you have seasonal allergies as an adult.
04 Does allergy skin testing hurt?
Allergy skin testing involves applying small amounts of allergens to your skin, typically on your forearm or back, to check for reactions. The initial scratch or prick made during the test may cause minor discomfort, similar to a pinprick. For most people, this initial sensation is brief and tolerable. If you have concerns about the discomfort or experience a severe reaction, it’s important to inform your doctor.
05 Can allergies cause a fever?
Allergies themselves do not typically cause a fever. They are usually associated with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy or watery eyes. If you are experiencing these allergy symptoms alongside a fever, it may indicate a different underlying condition, such as the common cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or COVID-19, which can present with similar symptoms but also include fever.
STATES WHERE WE SERVE PRIMARY AND URGENT CARE
Seasonal Allergies Treatment in Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
At AllCare, we’re proud to deliver exceptional primary and urgent care to residents across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Georgia. From bustling city centers to serene suburban neighborhoods, our clinics are strategically placed for your convenience and care. Experience top-tier seasonal allergies treatment in your community with AllCare, where your health is our priority.
Prioritize your health today: schedule your seasonal allergies treatment appointment
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